It might not look flashy, but tart cherry juice is earning its place as a powerhouse in your fridge. Packed with antioxidants and backed by science, this bold red juice—made from Montmorency cherries—offers real benefits for your body, especially if you’re dealing with inflammation or chasing faster recovery after workouts.
A Natural Inflammation Fighter
Tart cherry juice is loaded with polyphenols and antioxidants, compounds known to neutralize free radicals—those pesky molecules that trigger oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can come from everyday metabolism, pollution, or poor diets, and it’s linked to chronic inflammation and diseases like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. In a 2019 study, older adults who consumed tart cherry juice daily experienced a decrease in blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and inflammatory markers. Bottom line: it’s like armor for your arteries.
Boosts Muscle Recovery
Tart cherry juice isn’t just for the health-conscious—athletes are all over it. That same anti-inflammatory power helps reduce soreness and speeds up muscle repair. A 2017 review of 11 clinical trials found that consuming tart cherry juice helped athletes recover more quickly by reducing muscle pain and improving function. Perfect for those running races, hitting the gym hard, or chasing after toddlers all day.
Enhances Performance
Whether you’re training for a marathon or playing weekend pickup, faster recovery means better performance. Sports dietitian Susan Kitchen points out that tart cherry juice helps you “perform with better muscle function sooner.” Especially during back-to-back games or intense training weeks, that’s a game-changer.
How much should you drink?
The sweet spot: around 2 ounces of tart cherry concentrate diluted in water daily. Sip smart, recover fast, and keep your body running strong.
